By Hossam Badawi

KHARTOUM

Sudan’s president on Tuesday decided to replace a number of top military officers while referring others to early retirement, according to a statement by the military reported by Sudanese official news agency SUNA.

The changes by Omar al-Bashir include the appointment of Lt. Gen. Mustafa Mohamed Mustafa as military intelligence service chief, replacing Lt. Gen. Jamal Al-Din Omar Mohammed, and the appointment of Staff Lt. Hashim Abdul Mutalib Ahmed Babikir as inspector general of the armed forces, promoting him to the rank of general, replacing Lt. Gen. Al-Sir Hussein Bashir, who has been referred to retirement, according to a statement by Brig. Gen. Ahmed al-Shami, Sudanese military spokesman.

The changes also include the promotion of Maj. Gen. Magdi Ibrahim Osman to the rank of general and his appointment as deputy chief of staff for ground forces for supply as well as appointing Gen. Mohamed Osman Al-Hussein commander of Sudanese joint operations, replacing Staff Lt. Hashim Abdul Mutalib Ahmed Babikir.

Lt. Gen. Ali Mohamed Salim has also been referred to retirement, according to the statement.